System and method for using virtual environments

ABSTRACT

A system for establishing a virtual environment is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the system includes at least one computer terminal for use by a participant for interfacing to the virtual environment and an operation module coupled to the computer terminal for manipulating the virtual environment in response to one or more actions by the participant. The operation module may be adapted to assess the mental dexterity of the participant in the virtual environment. The operation module may also be adapted as a marketing tool for soliciting donations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system and method of utilizinginteractive graphics. According to an embodiment, the use of interactivegraphics may be directed to a virtual environment (i.e.three-dimensional, 360-degree virtual reality imaging). According to anembodiment, the interactive graphics may be utilized for recruiting oneor more persons for membership, employment, admission, or the like intoan organization, such as, for example, an institute of education, acorporation, a professional society, a club, or the like. According toan embodiment, the interactive graphics may be utilized for solicitingand securing gifts from potential donors to a non-profit organization,educational institution, and other donor worthy organizations.

BACKGROUND

Recruiting persons (i.e., “candidates”) for membership, employment, oradmission is a critical aspect to the success, image, and/or publicperception of an organization or institution. The person, entity, oragent who seeks candidates directly, or, on the behalf of theorganization, is typically referred to as a “recruiter.” Typically,information available to the candidate about the organization isconveyed by way of printed materials, video, film, or electronically,for example, by way of the Internet. On the other hand, informationavailable to the organization/recruiter about the candidate is limitedand typically conveyed by way of a resume, grade transcripts, one ormore personal references provided by the candidate, background checks,and the like.

The Internet increases the reach and efficiency of an information seekerwhile decreasing the disseminating costs of the information provider.With respect to recruiting techniques, it is clear that both theorganization/recruiter and candidate may mutually benefit by takingadvantage of the Internet's capabilities of disseminating and receivinginformation, respectively.

Regarding, for example, the recruiting of student-candidates byeducational institutions (e.g. universities), a fundamental aspect ofthe recruiting process is to provide the student-candidate with a senseof student life, campus atmosphere, and/or available social and/orinternship/career experience offerings from surrounding communities.Prior to the existence of the Internet, a student-candidate could onlyobtain an understanding of the campus and surrounding communitiesthrough anecdotes of current- or former-students, pictures, articles, orpersonal visits, which may be inconvenient and costly especially if thestudent-candidate does not reside relatively close to the university.

By using the Internet, one may acquire a sense of a cityscape throughthree-dimensional, 360-degree panoramic photographs available from, forexample, IPIX® of San Ramon, Calif. As more powerful computers areallowing greater dynamic informational content to be viewed by anend-user, the increasing capability of graphic processors have enabled ageneration of hardware that can create photo-realisticcomputer-generated environments that may be provided over the Internetat the consumer level. Accordingly, one may take a virtual tour of acityscape at his/her own convenience from any location, such as, forexample, one's residence, a computer terminal kiosk, or the like.

Accordingly, although a three-dimensional, 360-degree visualization ofan environment may be made available to, for example, a studentcandidate by way of the Internet using conventional means, suchthree-dimensional, 360-degree visualizations of an environment, such as,for example, a virtual university campus, are typically focused on thepresentation of exterior spaces (i.e. a facade view, side-wall view,rear-wall view, or bird's-eye, overhead view of a house, building,courtyard, or the like). Additionally, known 360-degree visualizations,such as, for example, in an aircraft flight simulator, are madeavailable to assess a person's physical dexterity; however, suchphysical dexterity assessments of a person interacting with a virtualenvironment do not necessary provide feedback regarding a person'smental dexterity (e.g. I.Q., social skills, “the drive to succeed,” andthe like).

Additionally, it is also known that alumni are often solicited by theiralma mater for financial gifts, and in return, the university oftenoffers recognition for the gifts such as by naming a campus building inrecognition of the donor. The university's solicitation methodology forsecuring a financial gift can often be a critical aspect of the of theuniversity-donor relationship. Typically, if, for example, a building isto be constructed in the donor's name, the donor would like to “seeahead of time what they are paying for.” Accordingly, an in person,on-site meeting is typically conducted with the potential donor beingpresent with one or more educational institution representatives alongwith architectural planners, landscape architects, sculptors, or thelike to provide the potential donor with a sense of what a building,landscaping, signage, statue, or the will look like by viewinghand-drawn or computer-generated hardcopies of a building, landscaping,signage, statue, or the like. Such in-person meetings require carefulplanning, time, and money.

As such, there is a need to provide a candidate, such as, for example, astudent candidate, with the ability to navigate through athree-dimensional, 360-degree visualization of, for example, a virtualenvironment, such as, for example, a university campus, while remotelyinteracting with, for example, interior spaces of a building, otherpotential participants in the virtual environment, and/or otherinteractive features provided in the virtual environment, such as, forexample intellectual puzzles/problems that may assist a recruiter inassessing a candidate's mental dexterity relating to theirqualifications for various positions (i.e. acceptance into an academicinstitution, employment or the like). Additionally, there is a need toprovide more information about a candidate to a recruiter other than byconventional means and methodologies associated with resumes, personalreferences, background checks, and the like. Additionally, there is aneed to provide an efficient methodology for soliciting and securingfinancial gifts from potential donors to an educational institution orother donor worthy organizations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a representative view of a system and method for using virtualenvironments according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system and method for using virtualenvironments according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for operating the system and method from thecandidate computer terminal side according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for operating the system and method from therecruiter computer terminal side according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a plurality of candidate interactionoptions of the system and method according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a representative view of a system and method for using virtualenvironments according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the system and method for using virtualenvironments according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for operating the system and method from thecandidate computer terminal side according to an embodiment; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B represent a flow chart for operating the system andmethod according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A system and method for using virtual environments is shown generally at10 in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. As illustrated, the Internet isgenerally represented at 12 in the form of a cloud, one or morecandidates is/are shown generally at 14, and a recruiter is showngenerally at 16. An internet server is generally shown at 17. Eachcandidate 14 and recruiter 16 is generally shown in the form of acomputer workstation having a communication path 20, 23, respectively,with the Internet 12. According to an embodiment, the system and method10 is particularly useful in facilitating a cohesive transmittal ofinformation between the recruiter's organization and the potentialcandidates 14 by way of the Internet 12. According to an embodiment, therecruiter 16 may engage and evaluate the candidates 14 based on theirinterests, analytical capability, virtual social interactions (withother potential candidates 14 and/or the organization/recruiter 16), orany other test that can be envisioned (i.e. to assess the candidate'smental dexterity). According to an embodiment, the candidate's mentaldexterity may be scored in the form of a quotient (i.e. the candidate 14amasses points that are divided by a total number of potential points tocreate “a mental dexterity quotient”). Additionally, the candidate 14may receive information about the organization associated with therecruiter 16 for the purpose of accepting/denying a potential invitationfrom the organization relating to an admission to the organization, ajob offer, or the like.

The “institutional end” of this system 10 does not require the presenceof a live person (represented by a recruiter 16). Although recruiter 16can be a live person, it is also contemplated that “recruiter functions”discussed herein could be implemented algorithmically in software tocreate a virtual recruiter 16, or the like. Therefore, according to anembodiment, the institutional end of the system 10 may include a liveperson/recruiter 16 that operates a terminal, or, a virtual recruiter 16implemented in software. According to an embodiment, automated softwaremay be located, for example, at a server 17 to perform the function ofoperating a virtual recruiter 16, or, the virtual recruiter 16 may beimplemented in a computer other than server 17, such as, for example, acomputer workstation 16. Communication to/from a recruiter 16 and server17 may be enabled over a communication path 21. Communication betweenthe Internet 12 and server 17 may be enabled over a communication path22. Communication between the server 17 and an operation module 18 maybe enabled over a communication path 25.

In the case that the recruiter 16 is a live person operating therecruiter computer terminal, the recruiter 16 may include, for example,headhunters, human resource managers, admission officers, faculty,staff, leaders, managers, or the like. The candidates 14 may include,for example, potential students for a primary school, secondary school,university, or the like. Alternatively, the candidates 14 may includea(n) un/skilled worker seeking employment from a company, business,corporation, or the like. Alternatively, the candidates 14 may includeone or more persons interested in joining a social group/club including,for example, a professional society, country club, or the like. As such,in the case that the recruiter 16 is a live person, the recruiter 16 maybe part of/directly employed by, or, an agent of, for example, theprimary school, secondary school, university, company, business,corporation, professional society, country club, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the system and method 10 may permit arecruiter 16 of an academic institution to ascertain a studentcandidate's mental dexterity (e.g. intelligence, I.Q., social maturity,and/or interest/appeal level). As such, the system and method 10 mayincrease the overall efficiency of the admissions process byfacilitating a better understanding of the likelihood that a qualifiedstudent candidate 14 will accept an admission invitation.. If desired,the academic institution may encourage/require that student candidates14 participates in the system and method 10 as part of an admissionsapplication process to supplement academic records, personal essays, andstandardized test scores including, but not limited to ScholasticAptitude Test (SAT) scores, American College Test (ACT) scores, GraduateManagement Admission Test (GMAT) scores, Law School Admission Test(LSAT) scores, or the like. The system and method 10 may enable arecruiter 16 to quickly and efficiently sort the eager, academicallywell-qualified student candidates 14 from less eager and/or lessqualified student candidates 14.

Regarding traditional student admission application procedures, it isknown that a student candidate 14 may be inclined to accept an admissioninvitation from his/her 1^(st) choice institution while also applying to2^(nd), 3^(rd), or 4^(th) choice institutions. The application to the2^(nd), 3^(rd), or 4^(th) choice institutions may be executed by thestudent candidate 14 for his/her own self-assessment, or, alternatively,as insurance in the event that the 1^(st) choice institution does notextend an admission invitation to the candidate 14. Accordingly, theconventional admission application to 2^(nd), 3^(rd), or 4^(th) choiceinstitutions may be made solely based upon name/reputation and/orreviews of the 2^(nd), 3^(rd), or 4^(th) choice institutions without thecandidate 14 ever seriously considering a potential admission invitationfrom 2^(nd), 3^(rd), or 4^(th) choice institutions, should one beextended. As such, the system and method 10 may also serve as anadmission application deterrent for less eager/serious studentcandidates 14 who are less likely to apply to a 2^(nd), 3^(rd), or4^(th) choice institution that utilizes/requires the use of the systemand method 10 if the student candidate's interest in attending the2^(nd), 3^(rd), or 4^(th) choice institution is not relatively serious.A student candidate 14 that is interested in a particular academicinstitution and also participates in the system and method 10 would havean advantage over less eager/serious/qualified student candidates 14 whopractice the conventional admission application method/process byproviding the academic institution with only an application fee,academic resume, essay, SAT score, ACT score, GMAT score, LSAT score, orthe like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an operation module of the system and method10 is shown generally at 18. The operation module 18 is hosted by, or,hosted on behalf of the recruiter 16. Although the operation module 18is shown remotely with respect to the location of the recruiter 16 inFIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the operation module 18 may belocated proximate, integral, and/or networked with the recruiter'scomputer workstation 16. Accordingly, if the operation module 18 isremotely located, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the operation module 18 maycommunicate with the Internet 12 over a communication path 24 and/orwith the recruiter 16 over a communication path 25; otherwise, theoperation module 18 may communicate over the Internet 12 over thecommunication path 23. It will be appreciated that that operation module18 may be remotely located, or, located proximate the Internet server17. If located remotely away from the Internet server 17 as shown inFIG. 1, the operation module 18 may communicate with the Internet server17 over communication paths 22, 25. In addition to one or more computerworkstations in FIG. 1, the candidate 14 and/or recruiter 16 may alsoutilize sensory stimulating technologies including, but not limited to,a virtual reality head-mounted display, force feedback actuators, sounddevices, olfactory stimulating devices, or the like.

Additionally, the system and method 10 may include one or moretelephones, IP telephones, microphones, or the like so that thecandidate 14 and/or recruiter 16 may communicate verbally over theInternet 12 using well-known voice over IP (VoIP) technologies.Accordingly, such equipment may used as a primary component to enablecommunications between one or more candidates 14, recruiters 16, or thelike. Alternatively such equipment may be used to supplement thekeyboard to enable voice and text communications between one or morecandidates 14, recruiters 16, or the like.

In an application, according to an embodiment, the operation module 18integrates system-level technologies to produce a compelling mechanismthat remotely interfaces with, informs, guides, entertains, and/orevaluates a candidate 14 over the Internet 12. Referring to FIG. 2, thesystem-level technologies may include, but are not limited to, anavigation module 28, a puzzle/problem module 30, a chat/networkingmodule 32, and an evaluator module 34. As illustrated, the candidate 14has bi-directional communication with each of the navigation,puzzle/problem, and chat/networking modules 28, 30, 32 over thecommunication channel 20. The recruiter 16, may similarly havebi-directional communication with each of the navigation andchat/networking modules 28, 32. If desired, the recruiter 16 may permitfeedback to the candidate 14 from the evaluator module 34 over thecommunication channel 20.

The navigation module 28 may include a real-time graphics engine, avirtual reality engine, an immersive graphics medium, a physics engine,or the like. ‘Navigation,’ through the interactive graphicalenvironment, can be adapted to encompass the range of traditional inputdevices (i.e., a keyboard/mouse/joystick), as well as imminentimplementations of gyroscopic motion-tracking devices, or,alternatively, advanced eyeball tracking devices or the like.

The puzzle/problem module 30 may include application specific softwareauthored for/by the organization/recruiter 16 that includes questionspertaining to, or, about the organization. It will be appreciated thatthe puzzles/problems may be customized based on case studies, logicproblems, memory tests, trivia questions, strategy games, or the like.‘Puzzle/Problem Solving’ is designed to captivate and evaluate thecandidate 14. The puzzles/problems are designed to pose an intellectualchallenge while providing sensory clues to the candidate 14.

The chat/networking module 32 may include an online networked utility.‘Networking’ will allow communication among various candidates 14 withinthe interactive graphical environment. The chat/networking module 32 maybe implemented as a client/server system to engage many candidates 14simultaneously. The client/server system permits communication betweenthe local client hardware and the centralized server that receives areport at the end of the candidate's virtual environment experience.

The evaluator module 34 may include a database and report generationutility that can be standardized to feed Customer RelationshipManagement tools and the like. An embedded evaluator is included in theevaluator module 34 and may selectively choose to provide feedback tothe candidate 14, based upon the recruiter's pre- or post-definedcriteria. The evaluation performed by the evaluator module 34 forms thecore of the recruiting function and serves to test, monitor, andevaluate the candidate 14 during his/her interaction with the program.The evaluation may be a summary of the candidate's experience and can beprovided in a customizable format. The format can be designed to feedany Customer Relationship Management Tools or Data Mining Utilities toassist in deciphering or correlating information. The evaluation maycontain a score and any other additional data that can be used by, forexample, admissions staff in an academic institution as a qualifyingcriterion. Feedback may be provided during and/or after the virtualenvironment experience to help guide candidates 14 and/or recruiters 16through admissions process.

During the course of the navigation of the virtual environment, thenavigation module 28 may invoke the puzzle/problem module 30 and/orchat/networking module 32 as indicated at communication lines 36, 38. Toinvoke the puzzle/problem module 30, for example, the candidate 14 maynavigate to a visible/invisible target in the virtual environment, and,upon arriving at the target, a puzzle/problem may appear or be openedfor the candidate 14 to solve, and, the candidate's answer may bescrutinized. To invoke the chat/networking module 32, for example, thecandidate 14 may navigate to a virtual candidate 14 and/or recruiter 16,which may appear as a virtual person, and, upon arriving at the locationof the virtual person, a chat window may appear for selection.Alternatively, the candidate 14 may click on a graphical “chat button”appearing in the computer terminal monitor to request/initiate a chatwith other candidates 14 and/or a recruiter 16 that are available andcurrently navigating the virtual environment. Puzzle/problem scores,chat/networking logs, and/or navigation logs may be provided to theevaluator module 34 over communication lines 40, 42, 44, respectively.The tallied scores and log reports of the candidate 14 can be savedlocally in, or, remotely from the operation module 18 for later analysisby the recruiter 16.

As indicated, the navigation module 28 is employed to permit thecandidate 14 to explore interactive graphics provided by theorganization/recruiter 16 that may be in the form of athree-dimensional, 360-degree virtual environment (i.e. virtual realityimaging). According to an embodiment, the virtual environment mayreplicate existing facilities on a university campus includingdormitories, classroom buildings, student activity buildings, libraries,social halls, bookstores, stadiums, gymnasiums, offices relating toadmissions/registrars/professors/academic advisor, deans, or the like.The generation of the interactive graphics to the candidate 14 can beachieved through the real-time graphics engine, virtual reality engine,or any desirable immersive graphical mechanism. As such, a networkedexploration of a virtual space is provided where multiple candidates 14can interact by means of a seamlessly integrated interface provided bythe operation module 18. According to an embodiment, one or morecandidates 14 may elect to have a virtual tour guide, virtual admissionsrepresentative, or virtual faculty member lead/participate in a virtualexploration in addition to answering any questions that the candidate 14may have.

In addition to the exploratory interactions that a candidate 14 may takeadvantage of by using the system and method 10, the recruiter 16 mayharvest additional information about the candidate 14 for laterevaluation during admission selection process. As the candidate 14navigates the virtual environment, the puzzle/problem module 30 andchat/networking module 32 may be invoked, as describe above, or, at anydesirable time by default programming, or, by the recruiter 16.

For example, if a candidate 14 is interested in attending theuniversity's law school, the candidate 14 may navigate the virtualcampus to the location of the law school, and, upon entering the groundsof the virtual law school, the puzzle/problem module 30 may be invokedand the candidate 14 may be presented with facts or statistics about thelaw school that may be un/familiar to the candidate 14. As such, thecandidate 14 may be prompted with the following information: “Welcome toUniversity Law School. The first dean of the law school was Joseph JohnDoe in the year 1858.” As the candidate 14 continues to navigate thevirtual law school campus, the candidate 14 may be engaged withadditional facts relating to the law school, such as, for example,current staff and what their specialties are, and, at a time later, beasked questions relating to facts that may or may not have beenpresented, such as: “Who was the first dean of the law school?,” “Inwhat year was the first dean installed?,” or “Who currently instructs acourse on Antitrust Law?” If questions are answered in/correctly, thecandidate 14 may increase/decrease a score or number of points that mayhave an overall bearing on a final score/number of points accumulatedduring the virtual environment experience.

As the puzzle/problem module 30 manages and delivers information to thecandidate 14, the chat/networking module 32 may retain a log ofconversations that the candidate 14 holds with other candidates, agentsof the recruiters, or the recruiters 16 themselves to determine a senseof the candidate's responses, approach, and strategy in articulatingtheir thoughts. Upon exhausting the puzzles/problems and exiting thevirtual environment, the embedded logic of the evaluator module 34assesses the candidate's intellect by providing a score, which may beweighed by the speed and accuracy that puzzles/problems were solved.Additionally, the log of chats held by the candidate 14 may be storedfor later review by the recruiter 16. If desired, the log of chats maybe scored in view of the candidate's use of proper grammar and/orspelling. The candidate 14 may then be assigned a “virtual environmentrating,” which may be available in a standardized score/rating format asa supplement to an academic institution's admissions criteria by theevaluator module 34 based on his/her interaction with the customizedpuzzles/problems and/or chat log.

Additional information about the candidate 14 may be obtained by usingthe embedded evaluator to monitor the candidate's navigational responsesinstigated by visual triggers incorporated into the graphical userinterface. For example, the embedded evaluator may observe the amount oftime that users spends looking at certain types of virtual bulletinboards as an indication of the candidate's interests, their inclinationtowards an art, or the candidate's proclivity towards aspects of thecampus facilities. Further information may be ascertained from theinteractions that take place among multiple candidates over an onlinenetwork. Additionally, the embedded evaluator may look for key wordsused during networked interactions by the candidate 14 to gain a senseof his/her personality traits, tastes, characteristics, word skills, andthe like. The embedded evaluator may, in response to a key/flagged-wordevaluation, prompt the candidate 14 by offering navigation suggestions,in the form of, for example, pop-up windows or pop-up navigationalarrows, that are triggered by the detection of the key/flagged wordsfrom a chat log.

For example, if the student chats with other candidates 14 aboutfraternities/sororities and spends time looking at a virtual flyerplaced on a bulletin board in an academic building for an upcoming eventat a fraternity/sorority house, navigation arrows may be provided todirect the candidate 14 to the location of the fraternity/sororityhouse. If desired, information about the candidate's interests in thefraternity/sorority event may trigger the evaluator module 34 to providethe fraternity/sorority with a notice that the candidate 14 is possiblyinterested in becoming new member. Upon gaining this insight, thefraternity/sorority may contact the candidate 14 during rush weekregarding rush week events should the candidate 14 be invited to andjoin the university. Additionally, the candidate's profile may beflagged to provide additional information about the fraternity/sororityby way of any desirable means, such as email, conventional hand deliverymail, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow chart 100 for operating the system andmethod 10 from the candidate computer terminal side is shown accordingto an embodiment. First, at step S.1, the candidate 14 registers ausername/password and personal information with a recruiter 16 and/orinternet server 17 on the institutional end of the system 10. Thepersonal information may include the name, address, telephone, emailaddress, social security number, resume, academic records, personalessays, a SAT score, an ACT score, a GMAT score, a LSAT score, or thelike. The registration may take place, for example, by way of anelectronic communication over the Internet 12, or, by way of, apaper-based system via traditional mail service. Then, at step S.2,software that enables interaction with the operation module 18 isrequested/obtained by way of, for example, an electronic download overthe Internet 12. Alternatively, the software may be acquired on a CD-ROMfrom the organization/recruiter 16 and installed on the candidate'scomputer terminal.

At step S.3, the candidate 14 executes the software for interacting withthe operation module 18 and navigates the virtual environment asdescribed above. At step S.4, during the navigation of the virtualenvironment, the puzzle/problem module 30 and/or the chat/networkingmodule 32 may be invoked as described above. Then, at step S.5, theoperation module 18 will detect if and when the puzzles/problems madeavailable to the candidate 14 have been exhausted. Upon exhausting thepuzzles/problems, the operational module 18 will tally a score of theun/solved puzzles/problems at step S.6.

At step S.7, the candidate 14 may, at any time, manually exit thevirtual environment; alternatively, upon exhausting thepuzzles/problems, the operation module 18 may automatically cause thecandidate 14 to exit the virtual environment, signaling the end of theprogram. According to another embodiment, the candidate 14 mayautomatically exit the virtual environment if access time to the virtualenvironment is set and limited, for example, by theorganization/recruiter 16 such that the candidate 14 is offered alimited amount of time to locate and solve puzzles/problems in a similarfashion associated with standardized tests. At step S.8, the operationmodule 18 may prepare a chat/networking log report, and then, at stepS.9, the score of the puzzles/problems, navigation and chat/networkinglog is saved and compiled by the operation module 18 as a “virtualenvironment rating” for later processing and/or analysis by therecruiter 16.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow chart 200 for operating the system andmethod 10 from the recruiter computer terminal side is shown accordingto an embodiment. First, at step S.10, a live recruiter 16 (i.e. aperson) or a virtual recruiter 16 (i.e., an automated program)navigates/accesses the virtual environment, with, for example, anassigned username/password. Then, at step S.20, the recruiter 16 mayreceive a request to chat/network with a candidate 14; alternatively,the recruiter 16 may locate a candidate 14 in the virtual environment atstep S.30 for unsolicited chatting/networking. Upon engaging thecandidate 14 at either step S.20 or S.30, the chat/networking module 32is invoked at step S.40 from the recruiter computer terminal side.

At step S.50, the recruiter 16 may receive a request from the candidate14 for a tour of the virtual environment. If a tour is requested, therecruiter 16 may obtain control of the candidate's navigationcapabilities at step S.60, conversely, if no request for a tour isplaced, the flow chart is advanced to step S.80. Upon completing thetour, should one be requested, the recruiter 16 may return navigationcontrols back to the candidate 14 at step S.70 for independentexploration of the virtual environment. Then, at step S.80, therecruiter 16 may request/initiate a navigation and chat/networking logreport by the operation module 18, which may include notes prepared bythe recruiter 16 of his/her impression of the candidate 14. At stepS.90, the navigation and chat/networking report, which may or may notinclude the recruiter's notes, are saved by the operation module 18.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow chart 300 illustrating a plurality ofinteraction options of the system and method 10 from the candidatecomputer terminal side is shown according to an embodiment. Although theflow chart 300 illustrates three general option branches starting,respectively, at steps S.200 a, S.200 b and S.200 c, it will beappreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the three illustratedexamples and that any desirable option may be programmed, as determinedby the organization.

First, a student candidate 14 may access a virtual reality law schoolcampus environment as described above in steps S.1-S.3. Then, at stepS.200 a, the student candidate 14 may navigate to, and discover, avirtual moot court room. Once inside the virtual moot court room, thepuzzle/problem module 30 and/or chat networking module 32 may be invokedat step S.300 a so that the candidate 14 may participate in a simulatedmock cross-examination at step S.400 a in which the candidate 14 maychoose, for example, a “best question” from a plurality of questionsthat are expresses in, for example, a multiple-choice-style format. Uponcompleting the simulated mock cross-examination, a “moot court score”may be tallied at step S.500 a. Then, at step S.600 a, the operationmodule 18 may provide additional information regarding the moot courtprogram at the law school, such as, for example, a website link. At stepS.700 a, the candidate 14 exits the virtual moot court and returns tothe virtual reality law school campus.

At step S.200 b, the candidate 14 may navigate to, and discover avirtual student common room/building. Once inside the virtual studentcommon room/building, the puzzle/problem module 30 and/or chatnetworking module 32 may be invoked at step S.300 b. At step S.400 b,the candidate 14 may navigate to and discover a “Woman Law Student”bulletin board. After viewing the “Woman Law Student” bulletin board fora predetermined period of time, the operation module 18 may provide analert, for example, in the form of a pop-up window, emails, or the likeregarding upcoming Woman Law Students events at step S.500 b. At stepS.600 b, the candidate 14 exits the virtual student common room/buildingand returns to the virtual reality law school campus.

At step S.200 c, the candidate 14 may navigate to, and discover avirtual stadium. Once on the grounds of the virtual stadium, thepuzzle/problem module 30 and/or chat networking module 32 may be invokedat step S.300 c. Then, at step S.400 c, the candidate 14 may enter thestadium's virtual season ticket box office. At step S.500 c thecandidate 14 may manually, or, as described above in steps S.50-S.70,take a guided tour of the virtual stadium with a virtual box officeagent to pick out the best available seat for an upcoming footballseason. If desired, the candidate 14 may register for season ticketswith the virtual box office agent. At step S.600 c, the candidate 14 mayreturn to the virtual reality law school campus.

Although the above-described examples are related to educating a studentcandidate 14 that is interested in learning more about a university, andassessing a student candidate 14 by an agent of the university, it willbe appreciated that the system and method 10 may be applied to assessany candidate 14 for other types of organizations or institutions. As anexample, a recruiter 16 of an electrical engineering firm may poseelectrical circuit problems to a candidate 14 to determine thecandidate's abilities prior to conducting a more detailed in-personinterview. If the candidate 14 is interested in the position, and mustrelocate, the recruiter 16 may give the candidate 14 a virtual tour ofthe local and/or regional area. According to an embodiment, theoperation module 18 may include or interface/interact with virtualreality real estate databases to provide the recruiter 16 and/orcandidate 14 with virtual tours, availability, and pricing indexes ofhomes, apartments, condominiums, and the like that are available forsale or rent to assist a potential job candidate 14 that may need torelocate should a job offer be extended. According to anotherembodiment, the recruiter 16 may be a manager of a country club andoffer a potential candidate member 14 a tour of a golf course, tenniscourts, dining facilities, swimming pools, and the like. If thecandidate member 14 is interested in joining, a “virtual meet and greet”of current members may be conducted prior to joining the club.

As such, it will be appreciated that system and method 10 is useful in anumber of applications for the benefit of providing information about anorganization to a candidate 14 while also assessing the many qualitiesand capabilities of the candidate 14. Candidates 14 andorganizations/recruiters 16 alike may mutually benefit from thecapabilities of the system and method 10 to determine if a mutuallybeneficial relationship between the candidate 14 and the organization isdesirable.

A system and method for using virtual environments is shown generally at600 in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment. The system and method 600 isgenerally related to the utilization of interactive graphics forsoliciting and securing financial gifts from potential donors to anorganization. According to an embodiment, the organization may be, forexample, an educational institution, such as, for example, a universityor any other donor worthy institution.

As illustrated, the Internet is generally represented at 602 in the formof a cloud, one or more potential donors is generally represented at604, an educational institution representative, such as, for example, analumni-relations officer, is shown generally at 606, and a financialinstitution representative is shown generally at 609. Each potentialdonor 604, educational institution representative 606, and financialinstitution representative 609 is generally shown in the form of acomputer workstation having a communication path 610-616 with theInternet 602. Although the term “education institution representative”is used in relation to reference numeral 606, it will be appreciatedthat the representative 606 may also be referred to as a solicitor, orthe like; as such, reference numeral 606 is not limited to aneducational institution, an educational institution representation,agent, or the like, and may, for example, represent a donation/grantsolicitor, for any organization, institution, or the like, such as, forexample, a charity, religious institution (i.e. a church, synagogue,mosque), non-profit organization, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the system and method 600 is particularlyuseful in facilitating a cohesive transmittal of information between apotential donor 604, educational institution representative 606, andfinancial institution representative 609 by way of the Internet 602.According to an embodiment, the potential donor 604 and/or educationalinstitution representative 606 may access, modify, and/orcollaboratively edit a feature in the virtual environment for thepurpose of illustrating a view of a building, statue, signage, or thelike relating to the potential donor's likeness, namesake, organization,or the like. According to an embodiment, the educational institutionrepresentative 606 may take the potential donor 604 on a virtual tour ofthe virtual environment via the Internet 602 while modifying/editing afeature in the virtual environment for the purpose of illustrating aun/modified view of a building, statue, nameplate, or the like relatingto the potential donor's likeness, namesake, organization, or the like.According to an embodiment, the potential donor 604 and/or educationalinstitution representative 606 may interact with one or more financialinstitution representatives 609 to facilitate a financial transaction,such as, for example, a grant or donation, from the potential donor 604to the educational institution 606.

The “educational institutional end” of this system 600 does not requirethe presence of a live person (represented by an educational institutionrepresentative 606). Although educational institution representative 606can be a live person, it is also contemplated that the educationalinstitution representative functions discussed herein could beimplemented algorithmically in software to create a virtual educationalinstitution representative 606, or the like. Therefore, according to anembodiment, the institutional end of the system 600 may include a liveperson/educational institution representative 606 that operates aterminal or a virtual educational institution representative 606implemented in software. According to an embodiment, automated softwaremay be located at a server 607 to perform the function of operating avirtual educational institution representative 606 or it may beimplemented in a computer other than server 607. Communication to/from aeducational institution representative 606 and server 607 may be enabledover a communication path 611-615.

In the case that the educational institution representative 606 is alive person operating a computer terminal, the educational institutionrepresentative 606 may include, for example, a university's chairman,one or more directors from a board, a business developmentrepresentative, an alumni relations officer, or the like. The potentialdonors 604 may include, for example, an alumnus, a community leader, abusiness organization representative, a benefactor, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an operation module of the system and method600 is shown generally at 608. The operation module 608 is hosted by,or, hosted on behalf of the educational institution representative 606.Although the operation module 608 is shown remotely with respect to thelocation of the educational institution representative 606 in FIG. 6, itwill be appreciated that the operation module 608 may be locatedproximate, integral, and/or networked with the educational institutionrepresentative's computer workstation 606. In addition to the computerworkstation in FIG. 6, the potential donor 604 and/or educationalinstitution representative 606 may also utilize sensory stimulatingtechnologies including, but not limited to, a virtual realityhead-mounted display, force feedback actuators, sound devices, olfactorystimulating devices, or the like.

Additionally, the system and method 600 may include one or moretelephones, IP telephones, microphones, or the like so that thepotential donor 604 and/or educational institution representative 606may communicate verbally over the Internet 602 using well-known voiceover IP (VoIP) technologies. Accordingly, such equipment may used as aprimary component to enable communications between a potential donor604, institutional representatives 606, or the like. Alternatively suchequipment may be used to supplement the keyboard to enable voice andtext communications between one or more potential donors 604,institutional representatives 606, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, the system-level technologies may include, but arenot limited to, a navigation module 628, an environment modificationmodule 630, a chat module 632, and a finance module 634. As illustrated,the potential donor 604 has bi-directional communication with each ofthe navigation, environment modification, chat, and finance modules628-634 over the communication channel 610. The educational institutionrepresentative 606, may similarly, have bi-directional communicationwith each of the navigation, environment modification, chat, and financemodules 628-634.

The navigation and environment modification modules 628, 630 may includea real-time graphics engine, a virtual reality engine, an immersivegraphics medium, a physics engine, or the like. The environmentmodification module 630 may include application specific software thatpermits the potential donor 604 and/or educational institutionrepresentative 606 to alter, change, modify, or otherwise editbuildings, landscaping, signage, or the like in the virtual environment.‘Navigation’ and ‘Modification’ in the interactive graphicalenvironment, can be adapted to encompass the range of traditional inputdevices (i.e., a keyboard/mouse/joystick), as well as imminentimplementations of gyroscopic motion-tracking devices, or,alternatively, advanced eyeball tracking devices or the like.

The chat module 632 may include an online networked utility. ‘Chatting’will allow communication between potential donors 604, educationalinstitution representatives 606, and financial institutionrepresentatives 606 within the interactive graphical environment. Thechat module 632 may be implemented as a client/server system to engagemany potential donors 604 simultaneously. The finance module 634 mayinclude a database and report generation utility that can bestandardized to feed one or more financial databases associated with,for example, the donor's financial institution 609 over a communicationpath 616 and the education institution's financial institution 609.

To invoke the chat module 632, for example, the potential donor 604 maynavigate, in the virtual environment, to an educational institutionrepresentative 606, which may appear as a virtual person, and, uponarriving at the location of the virtual person, a chat window may appearfor selection. Alternatively, the potential donor 604 may click on agraphical “chat button” appearing in the computer terminal monitor torequest/initiate a chat with an educational institution representative606 that is available and currently navigating the virtual environment.

As indicated, the navigation module 628 is employed to permit thepotential donor 604 to explore interactive graphics provided by theorganization/educational institution representative 606 that may be inthe form of a three-dimensional, 360-degree virtual environment (i.e.virtual reality imaging). According to an embodiment, the virtualenvironment may replicate existing facilities on a university campusincluding dormitories, classroom buildings, student activity buildings,libraries, social halls, bookstores, stadiums, gymnasiums, officesrelating to admissions/registrars/professors/academic advisor, deans, orthe like.

The generation of the interactive graphics to the potential donor 604can be achieved through the real-time graphics engine, virtual realityengine, or any desirable immersive graphical mechanism. As such, anetworked exploration of a virtual space is provided where a potentialdonors 604 can interact by means of a seamlessly integrated interfaceprovided by the operation module 608.

According to an embodiment, one or more potential donors 604 may electto have a virtual tour guide, virtual admissions representative, orvirtual alumni relations officer lead/participate in a virtualexploration in addition to answering any questions that the potentialdonor 604 may have. In addition to the exploratory interactions that apotential donor 604 may take advantage of by using the system and method600, the environment modification module 630 and chat module 632 mayautomatically save the “modification and chat session” between thepotential donor 604 and educational institution representative 606 sothat exact changes to the virtual environment and likings of thepotential donor 604 may be passed on for later use by a professional,such as, for example, an architect, landscape designer, sculptor, or thelike, that may execute design plans in the real world that is beingsimulated in the virtual environment. Alternatively, if desired, thepassing-on of the modification and chat session may be eliminated, and,a professional, such as, for example, an architect, landscape designer,sculptor, or the like, may participate in real time during the virtualtour, chat, or the like by way of a computer terminal workstation thatinteracts with the system and method 600 over the Internet 602 with thepotential donor 602 and/or educational institution representative 606.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flow chart 700 for operating the system andmethod 600 from the potential donor computer terminal side is shownaccording to an embodiment. First, at step S.701, the potential donor604 registers a username/password and personal information with aneducational institution representative 606 and/or internet server 607 onthe institutional end of the system 600. The personal information mayinclude the name, address, telephone, email address, a donor's financialinstitution name, a donor's financial institution account number, or thelike. The registration may take place, for example, by way of anelectronic communication over the Internet 602, or, by way of, apaper-based system via traditional mail service. Then, at step S.702,software that enables interaction with the operation module 608 isrequested/obtained by way of, for example, an electronic download overthe Internet 602. Alternatively, the software may be acquired on aCD-ROM from the organization/educational institution representative 606and installed on the potential donor's computer terminal.

At step S.703, the potential donor 604 executes the software forinteracting with the operation module 608 and navigates the virtualenvironment as described above. At step S.704, during the navigation ofthe virtual environment, the environment modification module 630 and/orthe chat module 632 may be invoked as described above. Then, at stepS.705, the operation module 608 will detect if and when the potentialdonor has indicated that a modification to the virtual environment iscompleted (e.g., by initiating a “save changes” feature, in, for examplestep S.706). At step S.707, the potential donor 604 may, at any time,manually exit the virtual environment, signaling the end of the program.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a flow chart 800 for operating thesystem and method 600 from the educational institution representativecomputer terminal side is shown according to an embodiment. First, atstep S.801, a live representative 606 (i.e. a person) or a virtualrepresentative 606 (i.e., an automated program) navigates/accesses thevirtual environment, with, for example, an assigned username/password.Then, at step S.802, the educational institution representative 606 mayreceive a request to chat with a potential donor 604; alternatively, theeducational institution representative 606 may locate a potential donor604 in the virtual environment at step S.803 for unsolicited chatting.Upon engaging the potential donor 604 at either step S.802 or S.803, thechat module 632 is invoked at step S.804 from the educationalinstitution representative computer terminal side as illustrated in FIG.7.

At step S.805, the educational institution representative 606 mayreceive a request from the potential donor 604 for a tour of the virtualenvironment. If a tour is requested, the educational institutionrepresentative 606 may obtain control of the potential donor'snavigation capabilities at step S.806. During the course of the tour,the educational institution representative 606 and/or the potentialdonor 604 may modify or otherwise collaboratively edit the virtualenvironment, thereby invoking the environment modification module atstep S.808. Upon completing the tour and environment modifications, thechanges to the virtual environment and chat log may be saved at stepS.809. Then, at step S.810, the educational institution representative606 and/or potential donor 604 may end the tour and exit the virtualenvironment.

As such, it will be appreciated that system and method 600 is useful ina number of applications for the benefit of utilizing interactivegraphics for soliciting and securing financial gifts from potentialdonors to an educational institution. Potential donors 604 that may beremotely located from the educational institution, or, for example,challenged with computer literacy or lacking in proficient hand-eyecoordination may benefit by seeing what a building, landscaping,signage, or the like may look like if a donation or grant is to be givento the educational institution. Additionally, the educationalinstitution 606 may benefit may holding a virtual meeting and sale-pitchto the potential donor 604 in a way that maximizes efficiency in thedonation/grant solicitation process.

The present invention has been described with reference to certainexemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention inspecific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments describedabove. This may be done without departing from the spirit of theinvention. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and shouldnot be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention isdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by thepreceding description.

1. A system for establishing a virtual environment, comprising: at leastone computer terminal for use by a participant for interfacing to thevirtual environment; an operation module coupled to said computerterminal for manipulating the virtual environment in response to one ormore participant actions, wherein the operation module is effective forassessing the mental dexterity of the participant in response to virtualenvironment stimuli.
 2. The system for establishing a virtualenvironment according to claim 1, wherein the participant is acandidate, wherein the assessing of the mental dexterity includes thecandidate's interests, analytical capability, or social interactionswith others that are virtually represented in a three-dimensional,360-degree virtual environment.
 3. The system for establishing a virtualenvironment according to claim 2, wherein the operation module includesa navigation module, a puzzle/problem module, a chat/networking module,and an evaluator module.
 4. The system for establishing a virtualenvironment according to claim 3, wherein the navigation module includesa real-time graphics engine, a virtual reality engine, an immersivegraphics medium, and a physics engine.
 5. The system for establishing avirtual environment according to claim 4, wherein the candidate maynavigate the virtual environment and send/receive virtual sensoryfeedback with a keyboard, mouse, joystick, motion-tracking devices, andeyeball tracking devices.
 6. The system for establishing a virtualenvironment according to claim 3, wherein the puzzle/problem moduleincludes application specific customized software having case studies,logic problems, memory tests, trivia questions, and strategy games. 7.The system for establishing a virtual environment according to claims 3,wherein the chat/networking module includes an online networked utilityhaving a client/server system that permits communication between localclient hardware and a centralized server.
 8. The system for establishinga virtual environment according to claim 3, wherein the evaluator moduleincludes a database and report generation utility that feeds CustomerRelationship Management tools and Data Mining Utilities to assist indeciphering or correlating navigation information, puzzle/probleminformation, and chat/networking information for evaluating thecandidate.
 9. The system for establishing a virtual environmentaccording to claim 2, wherein the candidate remotely interfaces with theoperation module over the Internet.
 10. A method for using virtualenvironments, comprising: transmitting information to/from a candidatein a three-dimensional, 360-degree virtual environment over theInternet; and evaluating interests, analytical capabilities, and virtualsocial interactions of the candidate with an evaluator module by anagent of an organization.
 11. The method for using virtual environmentsaccording to claim 10 further comprising the step of navigating thethree-dimensional, 360-degree virtual environment.
 12. The method forusing virtual environments according to claim 11 further comprising thestep of receiving a request from the candidate for a tour of thethree-dimensional virtual environment by the agent of the organization.13. The method for using virtual environments according to claim 12further comprising the step of obtaining control, by the agent of theorganization, navigation capabilities possessed by the candidate. 14.The method for using virtual environments according to claim 10 furthercomprising the step of receiving a request to chat with an agent of theorganization or one or more candidates.
 15. The method for using virtualenvironments according to claim 10, wherein the transmitting stepfurther comprises the step of invoking a puzzle/problem module and/or achat/networking module.
 16. The method for using virtual environmentsaccording to claim 15 further comprising the steps of: tallying apuzzle/problem score, and preparing a chat/networking log report, and/oranalyzing and scoring the chat/networking log report.
 17. The method forusing virtual environments according to claim 16 further comprising thestep of compiling a rating based upon the tallied puzzle/problem scoreand chat/networking report.
 18. The method for using virtualenvironments according to claim 17 further comprising the step ofsupplementing resumes, academic records, essays, and/or standardizedtest scores with the rating as part of an application for admission intothe organization.
 19. The method for using virtual environmentsaccording to claim 10 further comprising the step of monitoringnavigational responses of the candidate instigated by visual triggersincorporated into a graphical user interface.
 20. A method for usingvirtual environments, comprising: transmitting information to/from acandidate and an agent of an organization in a three-dimensional,360-degree virtual environment over the Internet; compiling a rating ofthe candidate based upon the transmitted information for evaluatinginterests, analytical capabilities, and virtual social interactions ofthe candidate in the three-dimensional, 360-degree environment; andsupplementing resumes, academic records, essays, and/or standardizedtest scores with the rating as part of an application for admission intothe organization.
 21. A system for establishing a virtual environment,comprising: at least one computer terminal for interfacing one or moreparticipants to the virtual environment; an operation module coupled tosaid computer terminal for manipulating the virtual environment inresponse to one or more actions by said one or more participants forsoliciting a gift from one or the one or more participants.
 22. Thesystem for establishing a virtual environment according to claim 21,wherein one of the one or more participants is a potential donor. 23.The system for establishing a virtual environment according to claim 21,wherein one of the one or more participants is a financial giftsolicitor.
 24. The system for establishing a virtual environmentaccording to claim 21, wherein one of the one or more participants is afinancial institution representative.
 25. The system for establishing avirtual environment according to claim 21, wherein one of the one ormore participants is an architect, landscape designer, sculptor.
 26. Thesystem for establishing a virtual environment according to claim 21,wherein the operation module includes a navigation module, anenvironment modification module, a chat module, and a financial module.27. The system for establishing a virtual environment according to claim26, wherein the navigation module and environment modification moduleinclude a real-time graphics engine, a virtual reality engine, animmersive graphics medium, and a physics engine.
 28. The system forestablishing a virtual environment according to claims 26, wherein thechat module includes an online networked utility having a client/serversystem that permits communication between local client hardware and acentralized server.
 29. The system for establishing a virtualenvironment according to claim 26, wherein the finance moduleestablishes communications and permits financial transactions betweenthe one or the one or more participants and the organization.
 30. Thesystem for establishing a virtual environment according to claim 21,wherein the one or the one or more participants remotely interfaces withthe operation module over the Internet.
 31. A method for using virtualenvironments, comprising: transmitting information to/from one or theone or more participants in a three-dimensional, 360-degree virtualenvironment over the Internet; and soliciting a financial gift from oneor the one or more participants to an organization.
 32. The method forusing virtual environments according to claim 31 further comprising thestep of navigating and/or modifying the virtual environment in responseto one or more actions by said one or more participants.
 33. The methodfor using virtual environments according to claim 32 further comprisingthe step of receiving a request from the one or more participants for atour of the three-dimensional virtual environment by an agent of theorganization.
 34. The method for using virtual environments according toclaim 33 further comprising the step of obtaining control, by the agentof the organization, navigation capabilities possessed by the one ormore participants.
 35. The method for using virtual environmentsaccording to claim 31 further comprising the step of receiving a requestto chat with an agent of the organization or one or more participants.